Ultimate Chantilly Cake Recipe: A Delightfully Decadent Dessert

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A Chantilly cake is the perfect fusion of elegance and indulgence, blending moist layers of cake with fresh berries and a creamy Chantilly frosting. This dessert is ideal for celebrations, whether you’re marking a birthday, anniversary, or simply treating your loved ones to something special. 

Its light and fluffy texture paired with the natural sweetness of berries makes it a year-round favorite. Ready to impress your family and friends with this showstopping dessert? Let’s dive into how to make a Chantilly cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavor: The combination of light sponge cake, fresh fruit, and creamy frosting creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Customizable: Use your favorite berries or seasonal fruits for a unique twist.
• Elegant Presentation: This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for special occasions.

Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Offset spatula
• 8 or 9-inch round cake pans (2-3, depending on how many layers you want)
• Parchment paper
• Cake leveler or serrated knife
• Cooling rack
• Cake turntable (optional but helpful for smooth frosting)

Recipe Details

Serves: 8–12 people
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling and Assembly Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk, room temperature

For the Chantilly Frosting:

• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz (227 g) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, chilled
• 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Berry Filling and Topping:

• 2 cups (300 g) mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Ingredient Substitutions

• Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with 1 ½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Substitute with an equal amount of cream cheese if needed, but the frosting may have a slightly tangier taste.
• Berries: Frozen berries work in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line 2 or 3 round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk/buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Chantilly Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and mix until combined.
3. Slowly add the chilled heavy cream while beating on low speed. Increase to medium-high speed and whip until the frosting is fluffy and holds stiff peaks.

Step 8: Prepare the Berries

1. In a bowl, mix the berries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to release their natural juices.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cake layers using a cake leveler or serrated knife for even stacking.
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake turntable. Spread a generous layer of Chantilly frosting over the top, then scatter a portion of the berries evenly.
3. Repeat with the remaining layers. For the top layer, spread frosting evenly over the entire cake and decorate with additional berries.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting.
2. Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: This can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Using Warm Cream for Frosting: Always use chilled heavy cream for the frosting to whip properly.
• Skipping the Cake Chill Time: Cooling the cake fully before assembly prevents the frosting from melting or sliding off.
• Using Watery Berries: Drain excess liquid from the berries to avoid soggy cake layers.

FAQ

1. Can I Make the Cake Layers Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature or freeze them for up to a month.

2. How Do I Store Chantilly Cake?

Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

3. Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

4. Can I Use Other Fruits?

While berries are traditional, you can use fruits like peaches, mangoes, or cherries for a unique flavor profile.

5. What If I Don’t Have a Mixer?

You can mix the cake batter by hand using a whisk and a lot of elbow grease. However, for the frosting, a mixer is recommended to achieve the proper texture.

Conclusion

This Chantilly cake recipe is a showstopper that combines light, fluffy cake layers with a rich, creamy frosting and the fresh burst of berries. It’s perfect for any special occasion or whenever you want to indulge in something truly decadent. 

By following these steps, you’ll have a cake that looks as good as it tastes. So grab your apron and start baking—your family and friends will thank you for it!

Don’t forget to share your Chantilly cake creations with us and let us know how it turned out. Happy baking!